Page 71 of The Scars Within
“We… had a nice time. It was a fun environment, and we danced until closing time.”
Laney jumped off her top bunk and squealed. “You did what? You danced?”
I rolled my eyes. “Yes.”
“With Rhodes?” Her jaw dropped.
“Yes.”
“Like, together?”
“Well, yeah. Kinda!” I threw my hands up. “It was a line dance.”
“Are you going to the All Hallows Eve Ball with him? She asked.
“I highly doubt that Rhodes is the type of guy to go to a ball, Laney.”
“Well obviously he’s the type of guy to takeyouto a tavern anddance,so there’s that!”
I glared at her, trying not to be offended by that comment.
Laney faked a dramatic faint, collapsing backward into Tatum’s lap.
“Tell us everything,” Cleo insisted, munching on potato crisps.
I pursed my lips and gave them a look of reluctance, but I spilled the beans anyway. I vaguely recounted my time with Rhodes, carefullyleaving out the part about the storm and how I was about to reveal my darkest secrets to him earlier today.
And then it hit me.
I jumped up from my bed, only to bang my head on the bottom frame of the top bunk. “Motherelemental!” I screeched as everyone else burst into laughter. Pressing a hand to the bump forming on my head, I made the announcement. “I channeled air!”
So much had happened since I accidentally slammed that iron door shut with the element that I hadn’t taken the time to process it all. A huge weight lifted off my shoulders, knowing I wouldn’t have to consider leaving Mageia or offer myself up as a roasted marshmallow for the Burn Trials.
My friends swarmed me in a group hug, their voices all blending into an excited blur. When the noise settled, they bombarded me with questions, eager to know how and when I channeled air.
I opened my mouth to answer but then shut it. I wasn’t ready to tell them the truth about Captain Thorne and my past. I didn’t want to scare them away. So, I lied by omission.
“While I was on the rooftop earlier, I waved my arms, and the door to the stairway slammed shut. It’s been a stressful couple of weeks, so I guess my tension just bottled up and let loose.” I shrugged.
Everyone but Laney looked convinced, but she didn’t call me out. She just let Cleo and Tatum drown me with their questions.
Three of the four of us have channeled an element so far. Laney and I will be attending air-wielding classes together while Cleo attends earth-wielding. There’s only one more full week of classes before the Burn Trials. And that means the toughest, most confident, and inspiring one of us may soon find herself vulnerable.
That worrisome thought drove my attention away from my friends. My eyes wandered away from their conversation until my gaze locked on something disturbing. Our potted plants were still resting on the windowsill, but one of Jeffery’s lively stems was now black and rotten.
Chapter 29
I fucked up. Deep down, I knew the potion I was brewing for the Grim wasn’t destined for decorative purposes. I had to sneak into the basements to scavenge a spare cauldron, a feat as risky as it was difficult. I can hardly walk ten feet down the hall without being recognized. Fortunately, I found a hooded cloak in a janitor’s closet, which I’ve since hidden away in the bottom of my dresser drawer for safekeeping.
The potion turned out too potent, causing Hogboom to croak before he could dispose of the evidence. But surely, not knowing the exact nature or purpose of what I was brewing means I can’t be considered an accessory to murder, right?
The Grim was not happy. He left a chillingly threatening note under my pillow last night. My anxiety peaks each time I climb into bed, dreading the moment I find another ominous message and worried that I won’t be alone when I do. I’m counting the days until I can escape to a personal room where I might find some semblance of privacy.
At least Hogboom’s death is overshadowed by the news of the villagers’ murders. Hopefully, that will blur the lines of the investigation enough to keep my involvement hidden.
I wrote to the Grim last night, asking if he was behind the attack on the villagers, but by morning, he hadn’t bothered to send areply.
Today is Rhodes’s last day accompanying me for my work assignment. I’m not sure if I’m relieved or a little bummed about it. I thought I knew which Wylder brother I preferred spending time with—until this weekend.
